Commercial Driver's License
CDL Self-Certification
Letters were sent to Indiana CDL drivers who had not completed the new self-certification process as of January 14, 2013. The new process requires CDL drivers to certify to the BMV the type of commercial motor vehicles that they operate, or intend to operate, as well as acknowledge that they are required to meet the medical requirements for that CDL. If you received a letter but have recently completed a CDL transaction in a branch, you do not need to do anything more. If your CDL expires in 2013, you will self-certify during your renewal transaction.
If you need to self-certify, please click here. Self-certifying online is free and easy. You will need to create a myBMV account, if you do not already have one. After accessing your account, click on "CDL Self-Certify Driver Type" in the left column and answer the questions. After answering the questions, place a checkmark in the "swear or affirm" box and then click "save".
If you have questions about the self-certification process, please review these answers to frequently asked questions.
Indiana Commercial Driver's License
An Indiana Commercial Driver's License (CDL) allows the holder to operate commercial motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles with declared gross vehicle weight ratings in excess of 26,000 pounds; vehicles designed or used to transport 16 or more people, including the driver; and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials.
In general, CDL requirements are stricter than for any other Indiana driver's license and are based upon stringent federal motor carrier safety regulations. To get a CDL you must be at least 18 years old, if you will be transporting property within state lines, or at least 21 years old if you will be transporting people. You must have held a valid driver's license, chauffeur's license, or public passenger chauffeur's license for at least one year. You must also hold a CDL learner's permit.
Getting a Commercial Driver's License
Knowledge Examination and Skills Testing
To get a CDL in Indiana, you must pass a knowledge examination and a driving skills test in a vehicle representative of the class of CDL that you will receive. The driving skills test must be taken at an approved test site and consists of a pre-trip inspection test, a basic control skills test, and the road trip test. Approved test sites electronically transmit the skills test results to the BMV to increase security and accuracy.
Physical examination
Before applying for your first CDL in Indiana, you must provide a valid United States Department of Transportation physical examination form. To keep your CDL valid, you must pass a new physical examination prior to the expiration of your current physical.
Important: If you have questions regarding your physical or want to know the status of your physical, please contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 888-692-6841. This automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For medical information and federal applications, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. There is information on a variety of medical topics, such as the insulin or vision exemption and skills performance evaluation.
Documents of identification
You must be either a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident to apply for a CDL, per 49 CFR 383.71. For further information on this requirement, please visit Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
When you apply for a CDL you must present documents of identification proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency.
Truck Driver Training Schools
The BMV coordinates the licensing and oversight of all driver education schools and instructors. Whether you are interested in public or private driver education courses, motorcycle safety training courses or truck driver training courses (CDL), you can now find information on all of these areas on myBMV.com. Select the appropriate link(s) on the homepage to find the specific driver training information that you need.
Driver Education Provider and Instructor Resources
- Truck Driver Training School Interim Written Guidelines
- Application for Truck Driver Training School Instructor - State Form 54903
- Personal History of Truck Driver Training School Owner Partner Official - State Form 54904
- Truck Driver Training School Application for License - State Form 54902
- CDL Instructor Fingerprinting Instruction Form
Transferring a CDL From Out of State
The BMV will conduct a driver record search using the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) for all CDL holders transferring to Indiana from another state. If your CDLIS Pointer (Driver History) from your prior state of record is not available, or your CDLIS Pointer is incomplete, there will be a delay in processing your application for a CDL in the State of Indiana.
The BMV will contact the licensing officials in the state(s) where the license was previously held to complete this process. When the BMV has received the required information, the applicant will be contacted by the BMV to return to the license branch to complete processing.
Renewing or Replacing a CDL
A CDL issued in Indiana is valid for four years. You may renew your CDL at any Indiana license branch up to one year before the license expires.
To replace a CDL, you will need to visit any Indiana license branch and present certain documents of identification.
Re-Applying For a CDL
If you voluntarily surrender or relinquish your CDL and would like to re-apply for commercial driving privileges after one year, you must obtain a CDL learner's permit, pass all necessary knowledge tests and driving skills tests, and provide a valid United States Department of Transportation physical, unless a valid physical is already on file.
Military CDL Skills Waiver Program
The BMV may waive the required drive skills test for select veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with specific drive training and were truck drivers during their military service when they apply for an Indiana Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
